Games to watch: The Titans' schedule is light as far as playing the nation's heavyweights, facing just four of Baseball America's Top 35 teams: No. 12 UCLA, Apr. 2, May 14; No. 14 TCU, Feb. 22-24; No. 15 Oregon, March 1-3; No. 25 San Diego, March 5. Key Big West series are May 17-19 at UC Irvine and May 3-5 at Long Beach State.

2013 OUTLOOK

The Titans overcame a depleted pitching staff to reach the postseason last year, but failed to move out of the regionals. This season the Titans return an experienced squad, led by preseason Player of the Year Michael Lorenzen. CSF also returns Big West Freshman of the Year, Matt Chapman, and all-conference, first-team picks Richy Pedroza (team-leading batting average of .324) and Carlos Lopez (.317). Unlike last season, the Titans have plenty of experience back on the mound. Right-hander Grahamm Wiest (5-5, 3.12) returns as well as Big West second-team pick Willie Kuhl, who made 18 relief appearances in 2012, striking out 36 in 262/3 innings. Fullerton's freshman class, ranked No. 23 in the country by Baseball America, should produce plenty of surprises this season.

JANIS CARR/The Register

Cal State Fullerton's early exit from the baseball playoffs last season was the result of a lack of offense, a breakdown of faith, or a little of both. The Titans went home after winning just one of three games at the Oregon regional.

Michael Lorenzen, the Titans' standout utility player, believes it was the latter. He said that he personally quit trusting in what it took to get to the College World Series, namely a selfless attitude and reliance on one particular good book, one that doesn't focus on run downs, check swings and breaking balls.

Last June, Lorenzen was an All-America candidate who developed into one of the best two-way players in the nation as the Titans' chief closer and starting center fielder, who routinely evoked memories of former Fullerton star and major leaguer Mark Kotsay. The up-and-coming sophomore was expected to help carry Fullerton to its first College World Series appearance in three seasons. But that never transpired, the Titans' chances evaporating in a series of blown chances.

Lorenzen. a devout Christian, took the blame.

"Last year, I struggled in the second half of the season definitely," Lorenzen said. "I was playing for myself. I was closing – just like Mark Kotsay – and I wanted the glory. I would strike a guy out and get all excited. Yes, that's normal, but I wasn't giving God the glory. I was taking it all in. I think that's what happened last year.

"So I struggled and struggled, having all that pressure on myself instead of giving it to the Lord and saying whatever happens, happens."

This season, Lorenzen said he has set his priorities straight, which in turn has restored baseball watchers' faith in his ability. He is projected as the National Player of The Year by Collegiate Baseball and the Big West Conference.

The former Fullerton High star also was named to the 2013 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America first team and the 13th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association Preseason All-America, Baseball America Preseason and Perfect Game Preseason College All-American second teams.

Lorenzen also was one of 75 players named to the initial watch list for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, which is given to the top Division I relief pitcher.

"I think they see the potential and they see the tools and I think they saw what I did freshman year and the first half of last year," said Lorenzen. "They know I have the potential to rise to the occasion. But I am surprised a little bit."

He shouldn't be. Last season, Lorezen started all 57 games in center field and made 20 appearances the mound. He did not allow a run in 18 of his appearances and had 16 saves and posted a 2-0 record with a 1.23 ERA in 22 innings pitched.

Lorenzen also batted .297, third on the team, and led the squad with 38 runs, 20 doubles, 101 total bases, a .435 slugging percentage, 69 hits (tie), three triples (tie), 43 RBIs, 10 multiple-RBI games and 14 stolen bases.

Lorenzen, however, didn't shine as brightly in the postseason and felt he let down his teammates.

"He was trying too hard," Coach Rick Vanderhook said. "He was trying to carry everybody and it wasn't that easy."

Lorenzen said he isn't going to succumb to the pressure this season, no matter how many preseason accolades are heaped upon his shoulders. Having an experienced lineup helps.

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